APAC risk signal: Hormuz and the end of “logistics by default”

Middle East crisis redefines energy markets and sea routes; supply security is no longer a default assumption.

The oil & gas centrepiece is the Middle East crisis hitting the Strait of Hormuz and regional infrastructure. This is not only a short price shock: supply security and unimpeded maritime logistics are no longer “defaults”.

For APAC corporate projects (Managed Launch): • revisit Incoterms, insurance and buffers for energy-intensive operations; • diversify routes and suppliers beyond a single chokepoint; • stress-test P&L for prolonged tanker-traffic disruption.

Link to transport/logistics: after abnormally high freight rates, the sector already contributed −39 pp to GAI; the Middle East conflict adds another uncertainty layer for Asia-bound container and energy flows.

Source: Global Business Monitoring, issue 2/2026 (HSE Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs). Adapted for Corporate APAC Desk / Country radar.